Synonyms of contravene

contravene

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn 

as in to violate

to fail to keep

the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• break
• breach
• transgress
• offend
• infringe (on or upon)
• fracture
• disobey
• ignore
• flout
• traduce
• disregard
• rebel
• resist
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss
• pass over
• slight
• defy
• withstand
• blow off
• tune out
• brush (off)
• wink (at)
• scorn
• shrug off
• overpass
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• obey
• observe
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• mind
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• hear
• listen (to)
• notice
• regard
• attend
• watch
• mark
• surrender (to)
• note
• defer (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contravene

In the years intervening, the poem has remained a lodestar, a contravening presence when, in present day America’s vituperative political landscape, the humanities disciplines and higher education itself has been forced to invoke and defend its own authority. —Elaine L. Wang september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

The problem comes when ideological casting choices begin to undermine the narrative, contravening Grisham’s famously effective structure and pacing. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Villa contravened these restrictions last season, time and time again. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

Turkey sees it as contravening the Montreux Convention and its own strategic interests. —Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025